Chicago: 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck Ticket

Visit the 360 Chicago Observation Deck with an entry ticket. Plan for 45 minutes at the deck, with time to take in the view over the city. Tickets start at 30 dollars and the visit holds a 4.5 rating from 3715 reviews.

Overview

This ticket puts you on the 94th floor of 875 N. Michigan, the building once known as the John Hancock Center, 1,000 feet above Michigan Avenue. The elevator ride to the top takes 40 seconds on one of North America's fastest elevators. Once there, the deck wraps you in views of the Chicago skyline, Lake Michigan, and four neighboring states.

The listed duration is 45 minutes, though one traveler described staying from early evening until dusk to watch the sunset. Before heading up, there is a concourse-level exhibit on Chicago's history and neighborhoods, and on the deck itself you will find the CloudWalk art installation and CloudBar, where snacks like Garrett's popcorn and local drinks are sold separately. A downloadable app, in English and Spanish, provides a guided commentary from your phone.

The ticket lets you skip the ticket purchase desk, which saves time at the entrance. Several reviewers recommend it as one of the things to do in Chicago, and one photographer found the labeled windows useful for finding their way around the neighborhoods. Note that the TILT ride is not part of this ticket and must be paid for on site.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at 875 N. MichiganMake your own way to the building on Michigan Avenue. There is no pickup or transport included with this ticket.
2. Skip the ticket deskPresent your ticket to bypass the purchase line. Everyone still passes through the security line, so waits are possible at busy times.
3. Explore the concourse exhibitAn interactive exhibit covers Chicago's history and its diverse neighborhoods, including displays such as The City Beautiful and City of Neighborhoods.
4. Ride the elevator upThe elevator reaches the 94th floor in 40 seconds. It has been upgraded with OTIS Air Purification Technology.
5. Take in the observation deckEnjoy panoramic views of the skyline, the lakefront, and four neighboring states. The Magnicity App offers facts, stories, and recommendations as you look around.
6. Optional: CloudBar and CloudWalkDrinks and snacks are available for purchase at CloudBar. CloudWalk, an art installation by Coleman Smoll, depicts Chicago's neighborhoods in color and makes a good photo stop.
7. Optional: TILT rideTILT tilts you outward through floor-to-ceiling windows at a 30-degree angle. It is an extra fee and must be upgraded on site.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you plan the visit and avoid surprises at the entrance.

• Timing your visit. One traveler arrived just before sunset and saw the city in daylight and after dark from the same visit, while another stayed from early evening until dusk without pressure to leave. Peak weekends and holidays can mean longer waits at security.
• Weather matters. The deck stays open in all weather, including zero visibility, and tickets are non-refundable for bad weather. One reviewer called the experience especially worthwhile in fine weather, so check the forecast before booking a time slot.
• Photography. One photographer reported excellent results on a cloudless late morning. The windows have place labels that help you identify neighborhoods in your shots, which another reviewer found useful for orientation.
• Food and drink. CloudBar sells Chicago snacks like Garrett's popcorn and neighborhood-inspired cocktails, but nothing edible is included in the ticket. One traveler bought a cocktail ticket option and said the smaller cocktail menu still offered several options.
• App commentary. The Magnicity App provides the guided commentary, with unique facts and stories about the city. It works in English and Spanish, so download it before your visit if you want narration on the deck.
• What is extra. TILT and CloudBar purchases are not covered by general admission. Photos sold on site also cost extra, which some travelers wished had been clearer before they arrived.

Common issues. The ticket skips the purchase desk but not the security line, so waits can still happen, and the listing advises planning extra time on peak weekends and holidays. TILT and bar purchases cost more on site, and some travelers wanted clearer information about those extras before booking. Tickets are non-refundable in cases of bad weather, and the attraction stays open even in zero visibility, so a foggy day can mean paying full price for no view. One reviewer had to wait past their intended entry time before the QR code was scanned, though entry then went smoothly.

Common Questions